Having joined Avon’s ranks in 1994 as a divisional officer, he worked his way up to become one of the youngest chief fire officers in the country when he was appointed to the role in 2001.

A firefighter of 37 years, he started his career at Cleveland Fire Brigade and worked in a number of roles before joining Oxfordshire Fire Brigade.

Mr Pearson was suspended by the fire brigade earlier this year, after a Home Office report criticised the service. He maintained he had been the victim of a witch hunt.

Avon Fire Brigades Union said: "Whilst Union and management views are often somewhat different on many issues, in CFO Pearson we had boss who was not afraid to stand up for his staff when he considered it right to do so.

Read More

"He did not agree with the cuts our service is facing, he understood the increased risk and pressure they place on all of our staff - not to mention the poorer service we are able to offer as a result.

"He was tremendously understanding and supportive during our national disputes, once again showing a level of support often missing from senior management."

Mr Pearson was a trustee for The Gambia and Avon Fire Services in Partnership (GAFSIP) charity and in 2013 received the Member of the Republic of The Gambia (MRG) honour, an award rarely given to non-Gambian nationals.

He was also a trustee for the Fleur Lombard Bursary and the president of Avon Fire and Rescue Service’s Pensioners Association.